THE NOBLES OF NEWLAND (BLOODLINER AND THE TALES OF THE NEW SAGA BOOK 1)

Chapter 7

"The Hidden Fish."

The same day,

Around Surodoi-Hana Palace,

Osuka City, The Republic.

THE GIRL IN SCHOOL UNIFORM WALKED DOWN THE EDGE OF THE SIDEWALK WHILE OCCASIONALLY TURNING TO THE STOREFRONT FEATURING VARIOUS SALES ITEMS. Her tight white shirt had been crumpled in some parts, her dark blue tie matching her short-pleated skirt. On the nametag stuck to the chest of her white shirt, a name written: Ai Hiyori. Her black backpack made of leather was covered in half by her long hair. The girl's hair was pitch black and straight dangling, with bangs flat covering her forehead. Her gaze was sharp behind her black-handled rectangular glasses, the ocean's eyes bladed on standby. With headphones hanging around her neck, the girl acted like she was listening to a song, even though there was no song on her phone that had died from running out of battery. The girl walked casually, occasionally wiggled her head following the music, until she finally stopped when a friend called her.

"Ai!" Teenage boys in the same uniform waved from across the street.

"Oh, Kenzo!" Ai waved back with a smile. While waiting for her friend, Ai's gaze swept around her surroundings. Osuka is not the most modern city in the Republic, quite the opposite. These stores are the nicest part of town. After this location, starting from the intersection in front of Ai, there is only residential residents, built using traditional design wood materials. There are also some large houses of concrete, but left empty or only guarded by their aides, because the original owner is in the Capitol. Even so, the city is decorated with many beautiful trees that give a refreshing impression.

Kenzo crosses the deserted streets of Osuka. "I'll join you to go home. I'd also like to pick up the history books you borrowed. You're done reading it, right?" Kenzo's slightly messy black hair was blown away by Springland wind.

Ai nodded with a smile. They took a right-hand direction when they reached the intersection, then crossed the street. As they walked, the green trees beside them began to turn pink. Cherry leaves strewn with the blowing wind. Ai catches one of the fallen petals, then brings it closer to the nose, inhaling the smell.

"I heard that Mr. President is coming to Osuka. Inaugurating a new Military Academy located on the border of the city, you know right?" Kenzo immediately continued, "I think I'll continue my education at the Academy of Marine Guardian when I graduate later. Become a Cyber Guardian." Kenzo's eyes always sparkle when talking about his dreams. "What about you?" Ask the young man to Ai.

"I don't know." Ai still occasionally glanced at the surroundings on standby, although her relaxed expression disguised her actions. "I don't come from a wealthy family; you know what I mean. Although I would love to go to the Capitol, it seems impossible."

"You're the smartest kid in class. Although the transfer student, I salute you who can directly seize my position as the first rank." Kenzo chuckled slightly, "You can try to get a scholarship."

Ai felt the sincerity of his friend's praise greetings. Ai could only smile. "You're right, or I just follow you into that Cyguard Academy."

They passed through a long white wall that wasn't so high. When he reached the front of the gate, Ai stopped. Look at that big gap. Its red color has faded to age. The wood that supports it also looks fragile and porous. But the carvings below, right in the middle, always caught Ai's attention. A cherry blossom symbol with nine petals on top of a supine samurai. A cross not far from the gate wrote:

Surodoi-Hana Palace o House Hikari.

State Property. Not for public.

City residents are prohibited from entering.